Complete Guide to Essential Oils/A to Z of essential oils/Lavender

Lavender is a very useful and popular essential oil. It comes from the flower tops of Lavandula angustifolia (Lavandula officinalis) plants and is extracted by steam distillation. It has a flowery scent and a balancing effect on the body and mind.

Lavandula angustifolia flowers
Lavandula angustifolia flowers
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

PropertiesEdit

 
Bottle of lavender oil

CirculatoryEdit

May lower blood pressure and reduce fluid retention.

DigestiveEdit

Relieves indigestion, nausea, vomiting and flatulence. Soothes colic.

EmotionalEdit

Soothes stress, anxiety and depression. Helps calm panic and hysteria. Alleviates insomnia.

GynecologicalEdit

Regulates the menstrual cycle. Eases symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

ImmunologicalEdit

Helps fight throat infections.

PainEdit

Alleviates arthritis, rheumatism, headaches and migraine. Soothes muscle pain. Helps fight stress for shingles

RespiratoryEdit

Relieves asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, catarrh and symptoms of a cold.

SkinEdit

Improves acne, psoriasis, eczema, dandruff, oily skin and athlete's foot. Promotes healing of abscesses, minor wounds, sunburn and burns. It can be applied neat to the skin and is very effective on minor burns.

Other usesEdit

Repels insects.

CautionEdit

  • Don't use lavender oil during the early stages of pregnancy.

BlendingEdit

Lavender can be combined with clary sage, frankincense, geranium, cedarwood, pine, nutmeg and citrus oils.